DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Richard Carter scored 19 points to help Drake hold on after nearly blowing a 20-point second-half lead against Northern Iowa on Tuesday night, 70-67. Carter’s 3-pointer put Drake up 52-32 with 13:22 left. After a basket at the 7:49 mark, Drake did not score again until Carter’s two free throws with 59 seconds remaining for a 64-60 lead.

Six Northern Iowa players scored during its 16-0 run, led by Deon Mitchell with five — including a steal and layup with 1:23 left. Northern Iowa got within 65-64 with 26 left and had a chance to tie it at the 12 second mark, but Mitchell missed an open layup. Drake’s Karl Madison made two free throws to seal it.

Trevor Berkeley added 15 points for Drake (14-13, 5-10 Missouri Valley). Seth Tuttle had 20 points in defeat for Northern Iowa (13-14, 7-8) while Mitchell added 16 points and four steals.